2012 End-of-year newsletter

Year in Review ~ 2012

It is hard to believe that our first year has come to a close. We'd like to take this opportunity to let you know a bit about what's been happening and what we're working on. And also to say thank you for supporting us as we grow.

Over the past 12 months...

As the organization has grown during the past year, we've had a variety of events across the state. Here are some highlights from 2012:

January-February

The founding board members met and worked out the organization's mission.

March

We attended Theater of War, Ann Arbor, MI; Board members Jocelyn and Ariana were panelists.

To commemorate Veteran's Day, we did the WOD for Warriors at Motor City Crossfit, benefiting Team RWB. Members started gathering each Thursday night at The Arena in Ann Arbor for trivia and karaoke. Let us know if you're interested in joining!

December

We had a very successful fundraiser with the Women's Dinner Initiative. Planning for the 2013 Inaugural Parade begins.

In front of 'the Big House' in Ann Arbor after the Big House, Big Heart 5k/10k. From left to right: Jocelyn, Ariana, James (Megan's spouse), Megan & Tracy.

At the Women's Dinner Initiative fundraiser. From left to right: Megan, Jocelyn, Ariana & Tracy.

At the Detroit Tigers game. Jocelyn, front and center, with other military spouses, partners and family members.

At the Detroit Tigers game with veterans and Team RWB. Thank you so much for the complimentary tickets Team RWB!

Military spouses and families to march in 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade

We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected to march in the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, DC this month. Several thousand applications from organizations across the country were submitted and reviewed. To have been selected from amongst all these applications is a real honor.

We expect to have a fantastic turnout of military spouses, family members and supporters of the military marching with us in DC. It will be a busy weekend for all the participants as we have also been invited to other events associated with the Inauguration. Although we are thrilled to be participating in the Inauguration weekend, we didn't have time to plan for all the expenses associated with it. All donations are appreciated and will be put to good use. Use this link to donate via Paypal.

Be sure to check out our Facebook page after the Inauguration weekend to see the photos of our adventure. And watch for us on television on Jan. 21st!

A note from MSoM President, Jocelyn Benson

It's hard to believe it was less than a year ago that I met with Liz, Megan, Tracy, Ariana, and Ivy to talk about forming a group that could provide support and services to our military spouse and partner community in Michigan. What a year!

In just a few short months, and with your help, we have built and developed a statewide network that is actively serving and supporting our military spouses, partners and family members. We've represented veterans who were wrongly fired from their jobs and stood up for spouses whose employers denied them leave time while their spouse was home on R&R. We raised funds to purchase new Christmas toys for children with a parent deployed during the holidays, and provided free tickets to sporting events so that military spouses and family members could enjoy a day at the ballpark together.

And in December, the Presidential Inaugural Committee selected the Military Spouses of Michigan to represent all of Michigan in the Inaugural Parade this January. We have over 90 spouses and family members signed up to march with the President and First Lady as they return to the White House upon taking the Oath of Office on the steps of the United States Capitol.

I cannot thank you enough for supporting our new organization as we grow to meet the needs of Michigan's military community. We are exceptionally grateful and look forward to working with you in the year ahead to build and grow even more.